Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Label: Atlantic
Country: UK
Released: 1977
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

Emerson, Lake & Palmer's sixth studio album, Works Volume 2, was released in November 1977 by Atlantic Records. This album serves as a companion piece to Works Volume 1 and is distinct in its structure and content.

Musical Composition

Unlike the lengthy, multi-part compositions found in its predecessor, Works Volume 2 features twelve shorter tracks. These songs were recorded between 1973 and 1977 and include a mix of session outtakes, B-sides, and individual contributions from each band member. The album presents a diverse range of styles, showcasing the eclectic nature of the band during this period.

Track Highlights

One of the standout tracks is "Tiger in a Spotlight," an outtake from the 1973 Brain Salad Surgery sessions. This track highlights the band's ability to intertwine rock with intricate musical elements. Another notable inclusion is "Watching Over You," an acoustic piece by Greg Lake that emphasizes his vocal and lyrical strengths. Additionally, Keith Emerson's interpretations of ragtime and boogie-woogie on tracks like "Maple Leaf Rag" and "Honky Tonk Train Blues" offer a refreshing contrast to the heavier rock pieces. Carl Palmer contributes with jazz-inflected tracks such as "Bullfrog" and "Close But Not Touching," adding further variety to the album.

Orchestral Contributions

The album also features contributions from the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Godfrey Salmon. This collaboration adds a symphonic dimension to the band's sound, enhancing the richness of the arrangements crafted by Alan Cohen and Tony Harris.

Release Format

Works Volume 2 was released as a single-LP format, a shift from the double-LP presentation of its predecessor. This change reflects a more concise approach to the band's musical offerings during this period. The album is categorized under rock, progressive rock, and symphonic rock, underscoring its varied influences.

The album was released in the UK in November 1977, marking a distinct chapter in Emerson, Lake & Palmer's discography.

Tracklist

A1	Tiger In A Spotlight Producer – Greg LakeWritten-By – Emerson, Lake & PalmerWritten-By – Sinfield*	4:34
A2	When The Apple Blossoms Bloom In The Windmills Of Your Mind I'll Be Your Valentine Producer – Greg LakeWritten-By – Emerson, Lake & Palmer	3:55
A3	Bullfrog Producer, Written-By – Carl PalmerWritten-By – HodgkinsonWritten-By – Aspery	3:52
A4	Brain Salad Surgery Producer – Greg LakeWritten-By – Emerson, Lake & Palmer	3:05
A5	Barrelhouse Shake-Down Orchestrated By – Alan CohenOrchestrated By, Producer – Keith EmersonWritten-By – Emerson*	3:47
A6	Watching Over You Producer – Greg LakeProducer – Peter SinfieldWritten-By – LakeWritten-By – Sinfield
B1	So Far To Fall Arranged By – Emerson, Lake & PalmerOrchestrated By – Keith EmersonOrchestrated By – Tony HarrisProducer – Greg LakeWritten-By – LakeWritten-By – EmersonWritten-By – Sinfield*	4:56
B2	Maple Leaf Rag Orchestra – London Philharmonic OrchestraPerformer, Arranged By, Producer – Keith EmersonWritten-By – Scott Joplin	1:55
B3	I Believe In Father Christmas Producer – Greg LakeProducer – Peter SinfieldWritten-By – LakeWritten-By – Sinfield	3:16
B4	Close But Not Touching Producer – Carl PalmerProducer – Greg LakeWritten-By – PalmerWritten-By – South	3:19
B5	Honky Tonk Train Blues Orchestrated By – Alan CohenProducer – Keith EmersonWritten-By – Meade (Lux) Lewis*	3:09
B6	Show Me The Way To Go Home Arranged By – Keith EmersonOrchestrated By – Godfrey SalmonOrchestrated By – Keith EmersonProducer – Greg LakeWritten-By – Irving King	3:30